It will, because the mobilisation will of course not work.

Nobody want to die for Putin. That's why he switched to mercenaries in Ukraine, because use of regular troops regularly returning to Russia in bodybags was about to become the straw which would've broken camel's back.

That's a huge misconception. But I guess it would be better for Russia if you continue to live in your dreams.

Those mercenaries are in the first tier of reserves anyway and it wouldn't be their choice but army on mobilization.

And if they are, then maybe, it's even better.

If their first option is this bad, then others must be completely useless.

It's in reverse: Russia has a 1 year long mandatory military service for men aged 18-26 inclusively; roughly 30% serve it, guess which part of the IQ curve doesn't want to spend a year painting grass to green during winter.

The first tier of reserves are anyone who did it and are under 35, as well as officers under 45-60 dependent on rank, the other 2 tiers are either unfit or older. The average Ivan in the first class reserve is pro-government, poor and without higher education.